10-QPeriod: Q2 FY2019

QUEST DIAGNOSTICS INC Quarterly Report for Q2 Ended Jun 30, 2019

Filed July 24, 2019For Securities:DGX

Summary

Quest Diagnostics Inc. (DGX) reported its second quarter and first half 2019 financial results, showing a modest increase in total net revenues year-over-year. The company's core Diagnostic Information Services (DIS) segment saw revenue growth driven by an increase in requisition volume, partly due to expanded in-network access with major health plans. However, revenue per requisition declined due to reimbursement pressures and increased denials, partially offset by a favorable test mix. While overall revenue showed modest growth, net income and diluted earnings per share from continuing operations attributable to common stockholders decreased compared to the prior year. This decline was influenced by increased interest expenses, higher income tax expenses, and specific charges related to restructuring and system integration initiatives. The company also highlighted a data security incident involving a third-party vendor (AMCA), which, while not directly impacting the company's systems, may affect future operations and collections. Significant cash flow from operations was generated, supporting investments in acquisitions, capital expenditures, share repurchases, and dividends.

Financial Statements
Beta
Revenue$1.95B
Cost of Revenue$1.26B
Gross Profit$688.00M
SG&A Expenses$362.00M
Operating Expenses$1.65B
Operating Income$307.00M
Interest Expense$46.00M
Net Income$226.00M
EPS (Basic)$1.67
EPS (Diluted)$1.66
Shares Outstanding (Basic)135.00M
Shares Outstanding (Diluted)136.00M

Key Highlights

  • 1Total net revenues increased by 1.8% to $1.95 billion for the three months ended June 30, 2019, compared to the prior year period.
  • 2Diagnostic Information Services (DIS) revenue grew by 2.0%, driven by a 4.4% increase in requisition volume, partially offset by a 2.3% decrease in revenue per requisition.
  • 3Net income attributable to Quest Diagnostics' common stockholders decreased to $226 million ($1.66 per diluted share) for the quarter, down from $239 million ($1.67 per diluted share) in the prior year.
  • 4Net cash provided by operating activities significantly increased to $596 million for the six months ended June 30, 2019, up from $503 million in the prior year.
  • 5The company experienced a data security incident involving a third-party vendor (AMCA), which could impact future collections, though the immediate financial impact was not material.
  • 6Quest Diagnostics continued its share repurchase program, buying back $100 million of stock in the first six months of 2019, and maintained its quarterly dividend payment.
  • 7The company adopted new accounting standards for leases, resulting in the recognition of operating lease assets and liabilities on the balance sheet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Quest Diagnostics reported total net revenues of $1.95 billion for the second quarter of 2019, a 1.8% increase compared to $1.92 billion in the second quarter of 2018. The Diagnostic Information Services (DIS) segment, which represents the majority of revenue, grew by 2.0%.

Profitability was impacted by several factors. While revenues grew, net income attributable to common stockholders decreased slightly. This was due to higher interest expenses, increased income tax expense (partially due to the absence of a prior-year tax benefit), and specific charges related to restructuring and system integration initiatives within the 'Invigorate' program. Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations also saw a slight decrease.

The AMCA data security incident involved a third-party vendor used for debt collection services. While Quest Diagnostics' own systems were not breached, the incident exposed sensitive customer information. While the immediate financial impact for the quarter was not material, the company noted that future financial results could be negatively affected by costs associated with the incident and potential disruption to its accounts receivable collection processes.

Quest Diagnostics generated strong operating cash flow, with a significant increase to $596 million in the first six months of 2019. This cash flow supported investments in acquisitions, capital expenditures, and returned capital to shareholders through $100 million in share repurchases and dividend payments during the period. The company also has substantial borrowing capacity available under its credit facilities.